How to Judge A Tie's Quality

Ties are one of the many accessories by which a man’s meticulousness about his style is measured. When it comes to unifying a whole ensemble or providing a dash of contrast, ties play their role well. However, with all things, it’s absolutely imperative that you invest in high-quality goods. Here are some of our best tips for buying quality men's ties whether you're in the store or shopping online.

Buying a quality tie requires careful attention to these three factors:

Width: Most quality ties are cut from three pieces. A tie's width is measured at its widest point. If you're wearing a tie with a tapered tip, the width of the tie is measured just before the tip. The standard width of most ties is roughly 3 and a 1/4 inches. If you're a man of larger stature, you'll want to buy a slightly wider tie so your outfit can give your silhouette some proportionality.

A tie that measures at least 3 3/4 inches in width should be enough to maintain a balanced appearance. If you're a rather slender man, opt for a tie that measures at least 2 3/4 inches wide. Although ties without a taper are considered traditional or old-fashioned, some men prefer to wear them. We recommend going for a skinnier tie if you fancy rocking an untapered one.

Length: Ties come in all different lengths. Traditional or regular ties usually measure between 57 inches and 58 inches in length. Tall or extra-long ties range from 62 inches to 64 inches. If you're 5'7" or shorter, you need a tie that’s shorter than 57 inches. If need be, you can tie a large knot to shorten it. The vast majority of men a tie that's at least 58 inches. However, for men 6’5” and up, you all fall into extra-long tie territory.

Fabric and Construction: The material and construction of a tie are dead giveaways of a tie’s quality. Quality ties are cut 45 degrees on the bias to ensure they drape well. If you're not sure if a tie is cut on the bias, you can stretch the tie along its length or pull the tie at a 45-degree angle. When you stretch the tie along its length, it should stretch the other way. When you pull the tie at a 45-degree angle, the tie shouldn't move. Ties that are not cut along the bias should be a hard pass.

When assessing a tie’s quality, pay attention to its interlining. Wool and cotton are the best materials to use for interlinings. Another giveaway of a quality tie is the material the tipping (the underside) is made from. Look out for silk or other high-end materials. Also, as far as construction goes, hand-sewn ties are simply a cut above. This is largely due to the fact that machine stitches are inflexible.

The threading of a tie is another factor you can use to determine its quality. The stronger the thread holding the tie together, the higher quality it is. Cheaper ties often have a thin thread holding everything together that will fray over time.

Here at Tip Top Tailors, we understand your need for style and fashion. Some items, especially ties, may just not be to your liking – it happens. We offer a simple return policy. We pride ourselves in providing high-quality products to our customers. A lot of merchants maintain onerous return policies that help them leave unsuspecting customers with subpar products – not us!

At Tip Top Tailors, we take pride in our clothing and accessories. We offer high-quality ties, Canadian suits, outerwear, accessories, and other types of clothing. We're ready to help you enhance your style for any occasion.